DELPHI, APRIL 25 (ONASA – OTS) – The ninth Delphi Economic Forum was held in the ancient Greek city of Delphi from April 10 to 13, 2024 and brought together political, economic, business, academic and other leaders to discuss the current challenges, influenced national and regional plans and promoted the policy of sustainable growth in Europe. WTCA, an international trade organization that connects over 300 World Trade Center (WTC) locations in nearly 100 countries, participated in this year’s forum promoting the mission of representing and encouraging international trade and development.
During the discussion on the topic “Strengthening international trade amid geopolitical tensions”, WTCA executive director for business development Robin van Pujenbruk addressed the audience and emphasized the importance of an inclusive trade policy that benefits all interest groups, including small and medium-sized enterprises, as a prerequisite for building peaceful and prosperous societies.
“When we talk about trade, it does not only serve large developed economies and multinational corporations, bearing in mind that the vast majority of the WTCA network consists of small and medium-sized enterprises. Supply chains were under a lot of pressure during Covid, and now they are facing challenges due to geopolitical tensions. Therefore, it is very important to remember that Europe has witnessed the longest period of peace on the continent thanks to an integrated market economy. The free movement of goods, services and people made the European Union a project of peace. The most important thing is that the trade infrastructure works for everyone – so that people can lead a healthy life and take care of their families. Micro, small and medium enterprises are the backbone of many economies,” said Robin van Pujenbruk.
As he explained, in today’s complex geopolitical circumstances there are various challenges such as cyber threats, attacks on critical infrastructure and disruptions of global supply chains that have a direct impact on international trade. Additional risks and disruptions for the world economy are caused by dysfunctional mechanisms for solving global trade disputes, the emergence of strategic autonomy policies and the militarization of trade. The significance of encouraging international trade goes beyond economic profit and is directly related to peace and stability at the global level.
The President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović and Robin van Pujenbruk also had the opportunity to discuss the efforts of WTCA to develop the World Trade Center in Podgorica, which would represent a significant contribution to the process of integration of this country into the European Union (EU) and connecting the Western Balkans with the world.
“Although the smallest Balkan country, Montenegro is characterized by a highly developed tourism sector focused on elegant seaside resorts along the Adriatic coast, which annually attract three times more visitors than the country has inhabitants. This country is on the way to full EU integration and is considered one of the most attractive investment destinations thanks to its geographical position,” said van Pujenbruk.
“Europe’s integrated market economy and principles of free flow have played a key role in maintaining peace on this continent for 80 years. International trade not only fuels economic growth, but also contributes to diplomacy, connectivity and peace-building efforts. The accession and integration of the Balkan countries into the EU is not only a question of economic development or making a profit, but also of improving the well-being of all people in the region through the peace that the unified market provides,” concluded Robin van Pujenbruk.
The annual Delphi Economic Forum serves as an important platform to encourage dialogue, consider challenges and shape policies that encourage sustainable and socially responsible growth in Europe and beyond. Through cooperation with various interest groups and advocacy for inclusive trade practices, organizations such as the WTCA and the Delphi Economic Forum play an essential role in strengthening peace, prosperity and stability through international trade. (end)